MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Melvin Lucas, the first athletic director in South Alabama Athletics history, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Jan. 1 at the age of 93.
 
"Mel is the literal father of South Alabama Athletics," said director of athletics Dr. Joel Erdmann. "I don't think any of us can fathom what he navigated to create an athletic department from the ground up. He was an admired professional administrator known for his kind and humorous demeanor. He and his beloved wife Lamona served as true ambassadors for the department and the university. His thumbprint on our department will exist forever."
 
A native of Lanett, Ala., Lucas served as the school's first athletic director and held the position for 16 years (1964-1980). He initiated the baseball program and served as the head coach for the first three seasons, posting a 50-44 record over that time frame. Lucas then hired legendary coach, Eddie Stanky, to take over leadership of the baseball team.
 
South Alabama also fielded teams in golf, tennis, and track and field in 1964. In 1967, Lucas helped to initiate the men's basketball program, and he oversaw the baseball and basketball teams to national prominence.
 
Lucas was inducted into the South Alabama Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989.
 
FOLLOW THE JAGS

For complete coverage of University South Alabama athletics, follow the Jaguars on social media @SouthAlabama (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaAthletics (Facebook), @SouthAlabama (Instagram), or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at USAJaguars.com.